Alcohol infused ice cube apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

An ice cube machine that generates ice cubes having an alcohol content of at least 2-5%. The ice cube machine operates at temperatures of no greater than 0° F., and typically at least 0° F. or colder. An ice dispensing system monitors the amount of ice cubes dispensed from the machine and can determine the amount of alcohol dispensed from the system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/839,264, filed on Aug. 21, 2006, and entitled ALCOHOLIC ICECUBE APPARATUS AND METHODS.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to ice making machines andmethods of making ice cubes, and more particularly relates to ice makingmachines and related methods for making alcohol infused ice cubes.

2. Related Art

Ice cubes have been made for consumer use for many years. There are avariety of methods and machines for making ice cubes. In a verysimplified form, a tray or mold divided into a plurality of sections isfilled with water and placed in an environment wherein the temperaturesurrounding the water is below the freezing point of the water. Thewater in the trays changes from a liquid form to a frozen, solid form.The frozen water is removed from the tray in the form of some type orstyle of ice cube. The ice cube can be used for many purposes such as,for example, addition to drinks and cooling foods.

Typically, an ice cube is known to have one of several common shapesincluding, for example, a cube shape having a rectangular cross section,a crescent shape (i.e., elongate curve-shaped structure), a nugget shape(a cylindrical shape), tubular shape (a hollow cylindrical shape), achip shape (a flat rectangular shape), or crushed. An “ice cube” as theterm is used herein is intended to describe a piece of solidified,frozen liquid having a size or volume of at least about one cubiccentimeter (1 cm³) and no greater than about ten cubic centimeters (10cm³). Preferably, an ice cube as the term is used herein has a size ofabout 2 cm³ to about 5 cm³.

A variety of ice making machines and methods have been disclosed in theprior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,539 to Garber discloses anice making and dispensing machine; U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,705 to Toriidisclosed a flavored ice and manufacturing method for the same; U.S.Pat. No. 6,513,337 to Astvatsatrian discloses a system for making anddispensing colored water and colored ice cubes of varying shapes; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,672,097 to Ashley discloses a flavored ice cartridgedispenser for ice maker, which patents are incorporated herein byreference. Commercial and consumer ice machines have been manufacturedand sold for decades using general principles of ice making.

In the area of food services, beverages are kept cool by refrigerationor ice cubes. A well known dislike among consumers is the dilution oftheir drink when frozen water (i.e., ice cubes) is added to the drinkfor the purpose of cooling the drink. As the ice cube melts in the drinkto cool the drink, the ice cube changes from its frozen, solid state toa liquid water state. The added liquid water dilutes the drink. Thisproblem is of particular concern when serving alcoholic drinks since thedilution of the alcoholic drink resulting from melted ice cubes reducesthe alcohol content of the per unit volume, thus affecting among otherthings the taste of the drink and the effect of alcohol in theconsumer's body.

Addressing these and other concerns related to the use of ice cubes forconsumers would be an advance in the art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems forgenerating alcohol infused ice cubes having a minimum alcohol content.One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an alcohol infused icemaking apparatus that includes a cooling source, a liquid mixingsolution (water or other mix) input, a liquid alcohol input, an icemold, an ice cube bin, and a dispenser assembly. The machine mixes thesolution and alcohol and then fills the mold with the solution/alcoholmixture. The filled mold is positioned within a refrigerated area,wherein the low temperature is maintained by the refrigeration source.After the solution/alcohol mixture is frozen within the mold, the frozenmixture is removed from the mold and collected in the ice cube bin. Thedispenser assembly dispenses the ice cubes from the bin for consumeruse.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method ofgenerating alcohol infused ice cubes having a minimum alcohol content.The method includes mixing liquid solution and alcohol to create asolution/alcohol ratio having an alcohol content of at least 2-5%. Themethod further includes filling an ice cube mold with thesolution/alcohol mixture and freezing the mixture while in the mold. Themethod still further includes removing the frozen mixture in the form ofan alcohol infused ice cube.

Alcohol infused ice cubes offer the opportunity for the consumer to havecool alcoholic drinks with less dilution caused by the ice cube.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodimentor every implementation of the inventive aspects disclosed herein.Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularlydescribe features that are examples of how certain inventive aspects maybe practiced. While certain embodiments are illustrated and described,it will be appreciated that disclosure is not limited to suchembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use inconjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denotelike elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating general inventive principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of an example alcoholinfused ice machine in accordance with inventive principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a cooling device portion of thealcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is front perspective view of an ice mold assembly portion of thealcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a dispensing system portion of thealcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a drop tray portion of the alcoholinfused ice machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic front perspective view of a dispenser chuteportion of the alcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front perspective view of a mixing anddistribution system portion of the alcohol infused ice machine shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of another example alcohol infused icemachine in accordance with inventive principles of the presentdisclosure, including multiple mixing chambers;

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the example alcohol infused icemachine shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic top plan view of a drop tray of the alcoholinfused ice machine shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of an example mixing anddistribution system of the alcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top plan view of the alcohol infused ice machineshown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of another example alcohol infused icemachine in accordance with inventive principles of the presentdisclosure, including a single mixing chamber;

FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the example alcohol infused icemachine shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic top plan view of a drop tray of the alcoholinfused ice machine shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a schematic top plan view of an example mixing anddistribution system of the alcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a schematic top plan view of the alcohol infused ice machineshown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of another example alcohol infused icemachine in accordance with inventive principles of the presentdisclosure, including vertically stacked ice cube bins;

FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the example alcohol infused icemachine shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a schematic top plan view of an example mixing anddistribution system of the alcohol infused ice machine shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a schematic top plan view of the alcohol infused ice machineshown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a schematic front perspective view of another example alcoholinfused ice machine in accordance with inventive principles of thepresent disclosure, including three alcohol inputs and three dispensers;and

FIG. 24 is a schematic front view of another example alcohol infused icemachine according to inventive principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the productionof ice cubes having a minimum alcohol content (i.e., alcohol infused icecubes). It is well known that consumers use ice in mixed alcoholicbeverages. The ice used in mixed alcoholic beverages tends to meltduring the process of cooling the beverage, thus diluting the mixedalcoholic beverage. Dilution of a mixed alcoholic beverage results inchanges to the taste of the beverage as well as reducing the percentageof alcohol content of the beverage over time. Consumers tend to dislikediluted alcoholic beverages, but do prefer having their alcohol infusedbeverages kept cold in most instances while consuming the drink. Thepresent disclosure provides a means of maintaining cold alcohol infusedbeverages while minimizing the amount of dilution of the beverage, andincreasing quality.

The Example of FIG. 1

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an alcohol infused ice machine ordevice 10. The device 10 has several inputs and an output of an alcoholinfused ice cube having a minimum alcohol content. The ice device 10includes an input of mixing solution, an input of alcohol, and a coolingmechanism. The device 10 mixes the solution and alcohol to create asolution/alcohol mixture having a predetermined alcohol content. Therefrigeration input provides temperatures in the device 10 sufficient tofreeze the solution/alcohol mixture into an alcohol infused ice cube ofpredetermined shape and size.

The alcohol infused ice cube is of a sufficient size for consumer use.As described above, a primary consumer use for alcohol infused ice cubesis alcoholic beverages, wherein the ice cubes are used as whole icecubes within a glass full of alcohol infused beverage. Alternatively,the alcohol infused ice cubes can be crushed and then added to othertypes of alcoholic beverages to create an alcohol infused drink such asa slush-type drink.

Typically, the temperature of the refrigerated environment needed tofreeze solid most types of liquid alcohol drinks is less than about −5°F. Most types of ice making machines used to create ice (e.g., consumerfreezers, and consumer and commercial ice machines) operate at atemperature greater than about 0° F. and less than 32° F., and moretypically at a temperature of about 5° F. to about 30° F. The ice device10 described with reference to FIG. 1 preferably operates at atemperature of about 0° to about −60° F., and more preferably about −5°to about −20° F. Some example freezer devices that generate sub-zerodegree F. temperatures are blast freezers and freezers operating withliquid Nitrogen. It is recognized that refrigeration/freezing conditionsof as low as −300° F. are possible with some types of specializedfreezers.

Another commercially available product used to partially freeze alcoholrelated products are alcoholic slush-type machines. An alcoholic slushmachine is used to partially freeze a mixture of solution and alcoholinfused beverage to create a partially frozen alcohol infused slush-typebeverage. In many cases an alcohol infused slush machine merely freezesthe mixing solution portion of the solution/alcohol mixture. The mixingsolution molecules are frozen and conglomerate together in smallcrystals of ice that intermingle with the alcohol in the mixture.Typically, the freezing temperatures used for an alcohol infusedslush-type device are well above the low temperatures required togenerate solid alcohol infused ice cubes having a predetermined minimumalcohol content.

The predetermined minimum alcohol infused content of the alcohol infusedice cubes disclosed herein, which are generated by, for example, the icedevice 10 is at least 2-5% alcohol. In some arrangements, the alcoholinfused ice cube devices and methods disclosed herein can generatealcohol infused ice cubes having an alcohol infused content of at least5-80%, and typically about 5 to about 20% alcohol. Most alcoholicbeverages have an alcohol content of no greater than about 80% andtypically at least 5%. Some alcoholic beverages must be mixed with wateror other mixing solution in order to lower the alcohol content to alevel in which the mixture can be frozen into solid ice cubes usingcommercially viable refrigeration systems. However, it is well withinthe intent of the present disclosure to provide refrigerated conditionssufficient to freeze alcohol infused ice cubes having an alcohol infusedcontent of up to 100% alcohol.

While the device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a mixing solution input, insome arrangements a mixing solution input is not required if the alcoholcontent of the alcohol drink used as an alcohol input to the device 10is already of a sufficiently low level to promote freezing of thealcoholic beverage within the preferred refrigeration temperatures(e.g., about 0° to about −60° F.).

The Example of FIGS. 2-8

Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, another example alcohol infused ice machine100 is shown and described. Machine 100 includes a cooling device 102,an ice mold assembly 104, a dispensing system 106, a drop tray 108, adispense chute 110, and a mixing and distribution system 112. Thecooling device 102 is shown in further detail in FIG. 3 to include acover 120, a refrigerator unit 122, and a blower 124. The refrigeratorunit 122 generates cold air that is circulated via the blower 124 intothe ice mold assembly 104.

The cover 120 can function as a top cover of the machine 100 to encloseotherwise exposed components of ice machine 100. In other embodiments,the refrigerator unit 122, blower 124 and other components can bepositioned at a bottom side of the ice machine 100. Alternatively, atleast some of the refrigerator unit 122, blower 124 and other componentscan be positioned at a location remote from the ice mold assembly 104,dispensing system 106 and other components of the ice machine 100. Therefrigerator unit 122 can be any known refrigerator device or systemcapable of generating the refrigerated environment required for machine100 to generated alcohol infused ice cubes as described herein.

In other embodiments, the refrigerator 122 can be positioned at otherlocations in the machine 100. For example, the refrigerator unit 122 canbe positioned at a remote location and simply circulate cold air to coolliquid through the ice mold assembly 104 to generate the freezingconditions necessary to freeze a solution/alcohol mixture. The blower124 may likewise be replaced with other distribution mechanisms fordistributing cold air or cold liquid to the ice mold assembly 104. Inmany configurations, it is advantageous to position the refrigerator orother cold condition generating unit at a vertically upper side of themachine 100 such that cold air at that location permeates downward undernatural cold air convection principles. The blower 124 and otherfeatures of the machine 100 may require colder temperature ratings inorder to properly function under the colder conditions (sub-zero degreesF.) required for freezing solid the alcohol infused ice cubes.

The ice mold assembly 104 is shown in further detail in FIG. 4. Theassembly 104 includes a bin housing 130 sized to enclose and retain aplurality of alcohol infused ice cubes, a dispenser opening 132, and anice maker 134. The ice maker 134 includes a mold 136 having a pluralityof partitions 138. The ice maker 134 is typically positioned near a topend of the bin housing 130 such that ice generated in the mold 136 canbe extracted and fall under gravity forces into the bin housing 130where the ice cubes are collected for later dispersion through thedispense opening 132.

The mold 136 can have any of a number of different shapes and sizes tocreate different shapes and sizes of alcohol infused ice cubes. Forexample, the mold 136 can have a plurality of partitions 138 that createcube shape, crescent shape, nugget shape, tubular, chip or any otherdesired shape having any desired size for the alcohol infused ice cubes.Typically, the mold 136 is sized to generate ice cubes having a volumeof no less than about 1 cubic centimeter and no more than about 10 cubiccentimeters. Ice cubes for consumer use, in particular those foralcoholic beverages, usually have a volume of about 1 cm³ to about 3cm³. In an alternative configuration, the alcohol infused ice cubesgenerated by the system 100 are less than 1 cm³ or greater than 10 cm³in volume, depending on a given application or use for the alcoholinfused ice cubes. The ice maker 134 also includes an ice cube remover(not shown) that is used to remove the alcohol infused ice cubes fromthe mold 136. Typically, an ice cube remover can operate automaticallyto remove the alcohol infused ice cubes from the ice maker 134 after thealcohol infused ice cubes have been sufficiently frozen to retain theirshape and size when collected in the bin housing 130.

The alcohol infused ice cubes generated by the ice maker 134 are frozento a sufficient solid state and having a hardness and frozen consistencythat is similar to frozen pure water ice cubes that are frozen at atemperature of about 0° to about 20° F.

Typically, the alcohol infused ice cubes having the alcohol contentdescribed above cannot be crushed or broken under the forces of a humanhand. However, such alcohol infused ice cubes when frozen by the icemaker 134 are typically brittle and crack when engaged under largeforces with other alcohol infused ice cubes (e.g., those ice cubes beingcollected in the bin housing 134). Preferably, the bin housing 134 issized and the alcohol infused ice cubes generated by the ice maker 134have a sufficient hardness and rigidity to avoid cracking or otherwisebreaking into smaller pieces when being collected in the bin housing130. Alternatively, the bin housing 130 and ice maker 134 and alcoholinfused ice cubes are configured such that the alcohol infused ice cubesgenerated intentionally break into smaller pieces upon collection in thebin housing 130. Intentional breaking of the alcohol infused ice cubescan result from, for example, features of the ice maker 134 or the icecube remove (not shown, features of the bin housing where the alcoholinfused ice cubes are collected, the size and shape of the alcoholinfused ice cubes, or the composition of the alcohol infused ice cubes.

The mold assembly 104 is shown including four different compartments,wherein each compartment includes a separate ice maker 134 and binhousing 130. Each of the ice makers 134 and the ice mold assembly 104 iscoupled to a different alcohol mixture as will be described below infurther detail with reference to the mixing and distribution system 112shown in FIG. 8. The bin housing 130 can be insulated as necessary toensure the alcohol infused ice cubes generated in the ice maker 134 andstored in the bin housing 130 maintain their solid frozen state.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the dispensing system 106 is shown anddescribed in further detail. The dispensing system 106 includes an icechamber 140, a door 142, a controller 144, and a housing 146. Thehousing 146 has a plurality of ice chambers 140 defined therein. Each ofthe ice chambers 140 are associated with one of the ice makers and binhousing of the ice mold assembly 104 described above. Typically, the icechamber 140 is sized to collect a predetermined number of alcoholinfused ice cubes generated by the ice maker 134. This predeterminednumber of alcohol infused ice cubes collected in the ice chamber 140typically corresponds to, for example, the volume of a glass that willeventually hold the alcohol infused ice cubes for preparation of analcohol infused beverage that includes the alcohol infused ice cubes.For example, the ice chamber 140 may be sized to retain four ice cubes,wherein each alcohol infused ice cube has a volume of about 1 cm³ if theglass eventually used to retain the alcohol infused ice cubes has atotal volume of about 6 cm³ to about 16 cm³.

Separate doors 142, 143 can be positioned at top and bottom ends of theice chamber 140 so as to improve control of ice cubes retained in theice chamber 140 and dispersed out of the machine 100 at any given time.The doors 142, 143 can pivot, slide or deform according as needed toprovide a controllable opening and closing of access to the ice chamber140. The doors 142, 143 can move manually, automatically, or in responseto actuation from an electronically controlled source such as thecontroller 144. In a manual arrangement, a separate sliding door orrotational handle can be actuated by an operator to open and closeaccess to the ice chamber 140.

The controller 144 can be used to operate the doors 142, 143 as well asperform and/or control other functions associated with the dispensingsystem 106. For example, the dispensing system 106 can includemechanisms for counting or weighing the alcohol infused ice cubes asthey enter into and/or leave the ice chamber 140. Such weighing or othermonitoring means can provide more accurate dispersion of the alcoholinfused ice cubes in some cases. In one example, the ice chamber 140 iscoupled to a load cell or other weight measuring device that monitors byweight the alcohol infused ice cubes that enter and/or exit the icechamber 140. In another example, a motion sensor is associated with theice chamber 140 to monitor by movement the number of ice cubes enteringand/or exiting the ice chamber 140.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the drop tray 108 is shown and described. Thedrop tray 108 includes an ice aperture 150 and a plurality of slopedsurfaces 152 directed towards the ice aperture 150. The drop tray 108 ispositioned vertically below the dispensing system 106. The slopedsurfaces 152 are positioned directly beneath the bottom opening of eachof the ice chambers 140 of the dispense system 106 such that whenalcohol infused ice cubes drop downward from the ice chamber 140 (e.g.,after opening door 142) the alcohol infused ice cubes slide along thesloped surfaces 152 and into the ice aperture 150. One advantage ofusing the drop tray 108 is that a single ice aperture 150 can beprovided for a plurality of different types of alcohol infused ice cubesgenerated by the machine 100. The ice aperture 150 is coupled in fluidcommunication with a dispensing channel 160 of a dispense chute 110 asshown in FIG. 7. The channel 160 of the top opening 162 is positionedvertically below the ice aperture 150 of the drop tray 108.

The operator has easy access for dispensing the alcohol infused icecubes when the opening 164 of the channel 160 is in an opened state andpositioned at a front side of the machine 100. The operator can positiona glass for containing an alcoholic beverage into which the alcoholinfused ice cubes will be placed at the outlet opening 164 prior todispensing alcohol infused ice cubes through the ice chamber 144, on thesloped surfaces 152 into the ice aperture 150, and through the channel162 into the glass.

The dispense chute 110 can include a control panel 166 having aplurality of control buttons 168. The control buttons 168, uponactivation, can control one or more functions of the machine 100, suchas activating at least one of the doors 142, 143 directly or via thecontroller 144 to release alcohol infused ice cubes for dispensing outof the machine 100. The control panel 166 can include other controlbuttons for other operations associated with the machine 100. Forexample, the control panel can be used to modify the operatingtemperature in the mold assembly 104 for purposes of freezing thesolution/alcohol mixture. In another example, the control panel can beused to alter the ratio of mixing solution and alcohol by controllingvolume mechanisms in the mixing and distribution system 112 that will bedescribed below.

At least one of the control panel 166 and controller 144 can be used tokeep track of the total number of dispenses of alcohol infused ice cubesfrom the machine 100. Usually, the average amount of alcohol per icecube is known as part of the mixing function of system 112. Therefore,the total number of alcohol infused ice cubes dispensed can be used todetermine the total amount of alcoholic beverage used from thecontainers 172.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the mixing and distribution system 112 (alsoreferred to as a “tumbler system”) is shown and described in furtherdetail. The system 112 includes a solution input 170, a plurality ofalcohol bottles or containers 172 positioned along a top side thereof, aplurality of mixing chambers 174, a housing 176, and a solution/alcoholmixture output 178. The containers 172 are positioned upside down alonga top surface of the housing 176. The alcohol beverage contained withinthe containers 172 is then provided under gravity forces into the mixingchambers 174. A separate mixing chamber can be associated with each ofthe containers 172. Alternatively, at least some of the containers 172can provide a source of alcohol beverage to two or more of the mixingchambers. In still other arrangements, multiple containers 172 canprovide alcohol beverages to a single chamber 174. The use of multiplecontainers 172 and multiple mixing chambers in a system 112 providessignificant variability and customization in generating alcohol infusedice cubes having the desired alcohol infused content and mixture.

Each of the mixing chambers 174 has associated with it a mixing zone(not clearly illustrated) and some valving mechanisms (not clearlyillustrated) that control the flow of alcohol beverage and mixingsolution into the mixing zone. The valving mechanisms can operateautomatically under pressure forces generally known to exist with astandard solution input and the pressure created by an upside downbottle of alcohol beverage. The valving mechanism can also be controlledby, for example, electronically, magnetically, pneumatically or othertype of valving technology in response to control signals generated by,for example, the controller 144 or control panel 166. Thesolution/alcohol mixture output 178 can be pressurized, metered, andcontrolled as desired as part of the delivery of the solution/alcoholmixture to the ice maker 134.

The amount and rate of mixing in the mixing chamber 174 can becontrolled in part by the amount of alcohol infused ice cubes collectedin the bin housing 170. In one example, the number or net volume ofalcohol infused ice cubes in the bin housing 170 can be monitored. Whena predetermined amount or volume of cubes is reached, the mixing ofsolution and alcohol in the mixing chamber 174 either stops, is sloweddown, or is fed through the output 178 at a slower rate. This featurecan help limit overfilling of the bin housing 170 with alcohol infusedice cubes.

A four-chamber, four-container system is shown in FIG. 8. In otherarrangements, any number of mixing chambers and alcohol containers canbe used in a given alcohol infused ice machine. In one example, it isenvisioned that an alcohol infused ice machine include five or morealcohol containers and/or mixing chambers. Such a relatively largemachine can be used in large bars and other social establishments thathave high volume sales. Alternatively, a single mixing chamber andsingle alcohol container configuration can be used for a relativelysmall alcohol infused ice machine for use in a low volume applicationsuch as a consumer's home. In another example, the alcohol infused icemachine can be configured to generate, store, and dispense both waterice cubes and at least one type of alcohol infused ice cubes.

The solution input 170 to the system 112 can be connected in fluidcommunication with, for example, a pressurized water system such as abuilding fresh water system. Alternatively, the source of water 170 canbe connected to bottled water, another source of filtered or storedwater, or another solution such as a soft drink, lemonade, or specialtynon-alcoholic beverage. The mixture output 178 is coupled in fluidcommunication with the ice maker 134 of the ice mold assembly 104. Theoutput 178 can include a plurality of separate channels defined therein,wherein a separate channel is associated with each of the mixingchambers 174. Alternatively, a separate mixture output 178 can beassociated with each of the mixing chambers 174 and directed alongseparate paths to the ice maker 134 in each of the bin housings 130 ofthe ice mold assembly 104.

Anyone of the features 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 described above canbe modified, replaced, or eliminated while still providing the machine100 with at least some desired functionality needed to produce alcoholinfused ice cubes. For example, the dispensing system 106 and drop tray108 can be integrated into a single unit rather than being two separateunits coupled together. In another example, the dispensing system 106and drop tray 108 could be eliminated and alcohol infused ice cubesgenerated by the ice maker 134 dropped directly into the cup of anoperator. In another example, the solution/alcohol mixture can beprovided from a remote location and delivered directly to the ice moldassembly 104. It is also possible to store the generated alcohol infusedice cubes at a remote location by directing the alcohol infused icecubes to a separate storage bin where the alcohol infused ice cubes aredispensed. These and many other alternative arrangements fall within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The alcohol infused ice machine 100 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-8has dimensions that make the machine 100 suitable for use in aresidential or retail space. In one example, the height H of the machine100 can be in the range of about 15 to about 60 inches. The width W ofthe machine 100 can be in the range of about 12 to about 60 inches. Thedepth D of the machine 100 can be in the range of about 12 to about 36inches.

The Example of FIGS. 9-13

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another example alcohol infused ice machine200. Machine 200 includes a cooling device 202, an ice mold assembly204, a dispensing assembly 206, and a mixing and distribution system212. The system 212 includes a solution input 270, an alcohol input 272,and a mixture output 278. The mixture output 278 is coupled in fluidcommunication with the ice mold assembly 204. Alcohol infused ice cubesgenerated by the ice mold assembly 204 can be dispensed from the machine200 by the dispensing system 206, drop tray 208, and a dispense shootchannel 260.

The machine 200 includes four different alcohol inputs 272 that arecoupled to separate mixing chambers 274. Each of the mixing chambers 274is coupled in fluid communication with the source of mixing solution270. Each of the mixing chambers 274 is coupled in fluid communicationwith a set of ice makers 234. The machine 200 includes four separate binhousings 230 that collect alcohol infused ice cubes generated by thesets of ice makers 234.

The drop tray 208 is configured to receive alcohol infused ice cubesstored in each of the bin housings 230 and dispensed the alcohol infusedice cubes from a single dispense shoot channel 260. In otherarrangements, a separate dispense shoot channel 260 is provided for eachof the bin housings 230. FIG. 11 illustrates the drop tray 208 with thechannel 260 integrated therein to dispense alcohol infused ice cubesthat fall onto any of the top surfaces 209A-D (see FIG. 11).

The machine 200 includes a solution input 270 that is coupled in fluidcommunication with each of the mixing chambers 274. In otherarrangements, a separate solution input 270 can be provided to each ofthe mixing chambers 274. As discussed above, the solution input 270 caninclude any liquid solution such as, for example, water or othernonalcoholic or alcoholic solutions.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate top views of the mixing and distributionsystem 212 (FIG. 12) or the combination of the system 212 with a topcover 220 of the machine 200. The mixing and distribution system 212 caninclude a door or other lid member 213 that provides access to themixing chambers 274 and other internal components of the mixing anddistribution system 212.

The machine 200 can further include a control system (not shown) that isused to control at least one function of the machine 200. The controlsystem can be operated using a control panel, switches, actuators, orother user interface.

The Example of FIGS. 14-18

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another example alcohol infused ice machine300. The machine 300 includes a cooling device 302, an ice mold assembly304, a dispensing system 306, and a mixing and distribution system 312.The mixing and distribution system 312 includes a solution input 370, aplurality of alcohol inputs 372, and a mixture output 378. The mixtureoutputs 378 are coupled in fluid communication with a plurality of icemold assemblies 304. Each ice mold assembly 304 includes a set of icemakers 334. Alcohol infused ice cubes generated by the ice makers 334are stored in a bin housing associated with the sets of ice makers 334.

Alcohol infused ice cubes stored in each of the bin housings 330 isdispensed from the machine 300 via the dispensing system 306 and acommon drop tray 308 that directs the alcohol infused ice cubes out ofthe machine via the dispense shoot channel 360. In other arrangements, aseparate drop shoot channel 360 can be associated with each of theindividual bin housings 330 or any number of the bin housings 330 asdesired.

Machine 300 is shown including four separate bin housings 330, eachbeing associated with a separate set of ice makers 334. Each of the icemakers 334 receives a mixture of alcohol and solution that is mixed inthe mixing chamber 374. The mixing chamber 374 can be in fluidcommunication with each of the alcohol inputs 372. The mixing chamber374 can be used to mix any combination of the solution input 370 and thealcohol inputs 372, or any one of those inputs 370, 372 alone. Forexample, the mixing chamber 374 can be used to mix the solution input370 with just one of the alcohol inputs 372. In another example, threeof the alcohol inputs 372 can be mixed in the mixing chamber 374. Inanother example, the mixing chamber 374 can act as a pass through devicewherein a single one of the inputs 370, 372 alone can be directed to atleast one of the ice makers 334.

The mixing distribution system 312 can include a valving arrangement 375in fluid communication with any one or all of the mixing chamber 374,the solution and alcohol inputs 370, 372, and the mixture outputs 378.The valving arrangement 375 can be used to control the various fluidflows such as, for example, directing fluid to any one of the sets ofice makers 334 at a given time. The valving arrangement 375 can beconfigured to promote emptying of the mixing chamber 374 prior toinitiating the mixing of a new mixture. Other valving devices andfeatures are possible within the mixing and distribution system 312 toprovide optimum flow control and mixing of various input fluids anddirecting those mixtures of fluids to the ice makers 334 to generate icecubes such as alcohol infused ice cubes.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example drop tray configuration 308 that collectsalcohol infused ice cubes from each of the dispensing systems 306 anddispenses the ice cubes from the dispense shoot 360. Many other droptray configurations are possible.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate top views of the mixing and distributionsystem 312 (FIG. 17) and the combination of a top cover 320 of themachine 300 with the system 312 (FIG. 18). The system 312 may include alid member 313 that provides access to the mixing chamber 374 and othercomponents of the mixing and distribution system 312. The cover 320 canalso be removable to expose other features internal to the machine 300.

The machine 300 can further include a control system (not shown) that isused to control at least one function of the machine 300. The controlsystem can be operated using a control panel, switches, actuators, orother user interface.

The Example of FIGS. 19-22

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another example alcohol infused ice machine400. Machine 400 includes a cooling device 402, a plurality of ice moldassemblies 404, a drop tray 408, and a mixing and distribution system412. The system 412 includes a mixing solution input 470, a plurality ofalcohol inputs 472, and a mixture output 478 that is coupled to theplurality of ice mold assemblies 404. The mixing and distribution system412 includes many of the same features as discussed above related tomachine 300.

The machine 400 includes four separate bin housings 430 and a set of icemakers 434 associated with each bin housing 430. The bin housings 430are stacked in pairs. Ice cubes generated by the ice makers 434 can bedirected by the drop tray 408 to a dispense shoot channel 460 associatedwith each bin housing 430. In some arrangements, a control mechanism canbe provided at the channel 460 to control the flow of ice cubes from thebin housings 430 out of the machine 400. Any of the same features orfunctionality of the dispensing system 106 described above can beincluded at or near the dispenser shoot channel 460.

The mixing and distribution system 412 can include a valving arrangement475 that optimizes flow control, mixing, and dispensing of liquids tothe ice makers 434. FIG. 19 illustrates fluid communication between theupper and lower sets of ice makers 434 for adjacent bin housings 430. Asa result, these of bin housings 430 and associated ice makers 434 couldbe used to produce and store ice cubes having the same percentagealcohol content. The ice makers 434 shown in FIG. 19 could be configuredto produce different shapes or sizes of ice cubes. Furthermore, one ofthe icemakers 434 shown in FIG. 19 could produce crushed ice while theother set of ice makers produce ice cubes. A single machine 400 can beused to produce ice cubes of various configurations, ice cubes of thesame or different percentage alcohol content, or different mixtures offluid (i.e., the same percentage alcohol content but based on differentalcohol and mixing solution inputs).

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the mixing and distribution system 412alone. FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of a combination of a cover 420with the mixing and distribution system 412. The system 412 can includea lid member 413 that provides access to the mixing chamber 474 andother features of the system 412. Likewise, the cover member 420 can beremoved to access other features of the machine 400 such as the icemakers 434 and bin housings 430.

The machine 400 can further include a control system (not shown) that isused to control at least one function of the machine 400. The controlsystem can be operated using a control panel, switches, actuators, orother user interface.

The Example of FIG. 23

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating another example alcoholinfused ice machine 500. The ice machine 500 includes a housing 501within which is positioned a cooling device and ice mold assembly (notshown). The machine 500 includes a mixing and distribution system 512and a dispensing system that includes a plurality of dispense shootchannels 560 and a dispensing controller 568 associated with eachchannel 560. A solution input 570 provides a solution that can be mixedwith any one of the alcohol containers 572 via the mixing anddistribution system 512.

Other types of housing structures and configurations 501 can be usedwith any of the machines 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 described above toprovide an aesthetically pleasing, functional alcohol infused ice cubemachine for generating and dispensing alcohol infused ice cubes.

The Example of FIG. 24

FIG. 24 illustrates another example alcohol infused ice machine 600. Themachine 600 includes a cooling device 602, an ice mold assembly 604, adispensing system 606, a mixing and distribution system 612 having asolution input 670, an alcohol input 672, and a mixture output 178 thatis coupled to the ice mold assembly 604. The alcohol container 170 is asingle source of alcohol that mixes with a single source of solution 670in a single mixing chamber 674 of the system 612 to produce asolution/alcohol mixture 678 with desired percentage alcohol content.

The cooling device 602, ice mold assembly 604, and dispensing system 606can be of any desired size and shape, and be positioned at any locationrelative to the system 612. For example, the system 612 can be positionin one room and the cooling device 602, ice mold assembly 604, anddispensing system 606 can be position in a remote location such as aseparate room. The cooling device 602 preferably provides a refrigeratedenvironment of at least 0° to about 30° F., and more preferably about−5° to about −20° F. to freeze solid the solution/alcohol mixture 678.

CONCLUSION

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an alcohol infused icecube machine, or an ice making machine that is adapted and configured togenerated alcohol infused ice cubes. The machine can include at leastone ice mold configured to generate alcohol infused ice cubes, at leastone ice cube storage bin configured to collect alcohol infused ice cubesformed in the ice mold, a dispenser mechanism, a mixing arrangement, anda cooling mechanism. The dispenser mechanism is configured to dispensethe alcohol infused ice cubes from the at least one ice cube storagebin. The mixing arrangement is configured to provide a mixture ofalcohol and mixing solution to the at least one ice mold. The mixturetypically contains at least 2% alcohol. In some arrangements, thealcohol content is at least 5%, and more preferably in the range ofabout 5% to about 80%. The cooling mechanism is configured to provide arefrigerated environment for the mixture in the at least one ice mold inthe range of about 0° F. to about −60° F. The refrigerated environmentis more preferably in the range of about −5° F. to about −20° F.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an alcohol infusedice cube machine that includes a cooling mechanism, a mixingarrangement, at least one ice mold, at least one ice cube storage bin, adispenser mechanism, and a control system. The cooling mechanism isconfigured to provide a refrigerated environment in the range of about0° F. to about −30° F. The mixing arrangement is configured to provide amixture that includes an alcohol beverage, wherein the mixture containsat least 2% alcohol. The mixing arrangement includes at least one mixingchamber configured to mix a volume of the alcohol beverage with at leastone other liquid. The at least one ice mold is configured to receive aportion of the mixture to generate alcohol infused ice cubes. The atleast one ice cube storage bin is configured to collect alcohol infusedice cubes generated in the ice mold. The dispenser mechanism isconfigured to dispense the alcohol infused ice cubes from the at leastone ice cube storage bin. The control system is configured to controlthe dispensing mechanism and the mixing arrangement.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of makingalcohol infused ice cubes. One example method includes supplying amixture of mixing solution and alcohol to an ice making machine,providing a freezing or refrigerated environment to the ice makingmachine, the freezing environment having a temperature of no greaterthan about 0° F., freezing the mixture into solid alcohol infused icecubes with the ice making machine, and dispensing the alcohol infusedice cubes. The supplying step can also include mixing a source of themixing solution with at least one source of the alcohol to create themixture. The mixture can include at least two sources of alcohol.Dispensing the alcohol infused ice cubes can include determining thenumber of cubes dispensed in a dispense cycle. Many other steps andcombinations of steps are possible.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. An alcohol infused ice cube machine, comprising: (a) at least one icemold configured to generate alcohol infused ice cubes; (b) at least oneice cube storage bin configured to collect alcohol infused ice cubesformed in the ice mold; (c) a dispenser mechanism configured to dispensethe alcohol infused ice cubes from the at least one ice cube storagebin; (d) a mixing arrangement configured to provide a mixture of alcoholand mixing solution to the at least one ice mold, the mixture containingat least 2% alcohol; and (e) a cooling mechanism configured to provide arefrigerated environment for the mixture in the at least one ice mold ofabout 0° F. or colder.
 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the mixingarrangement includes a mixing chamber wherein a volume of the alcoholand a volume of the mixing solution are combined to create the mixture.3. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a control deviceconfigured to control the amount of alcohol infused ice cubes dispensedby the dispensing mechanism in a dispense cycle.
 4. The machine of claim1, wherein the mixing arrangement includes at least four mixing chambersand at least four different sources of alcohol, and generates at leastfour different mixtures of the mixing solution and at least one of thesources of alcohol.
 5. The machine of claim 1, including at least firstand second ice molds and at least first and second ice cube storagebins.
 6. The machine of claim 5, wherein the mixing arrangement isconfigured to provide a different mixture to each of the ice molds. 7.The machine of claim 1, wherein the alcohol is provided to the mixingchamber under a gravity pressure condition.
 8. The machine of claim 1,further includes an ice removing mechanism, the ice removing mechanismconfigured to remove ice cubes from the ice mold.
 9. The machine ofclaim 1, wherein the cooling mechanism is configured to provide arefrigerated environment for the mixture in the ice mold in the range ofabout −10° F. to about −20° F.
 10. The machine of claim 1, wherein themixture contains at least 40% alcohol.
 11. The machine of claim 1,wherein the alcohol is an alcoholic beverage and the mixing solution iswater.
 12. A method of making ice cubes having an alcohol infusedcontent, the method comprising: (a) supplying a mixture of mixingsolution and alcohol to an ice making machine; (b) providing arefrigerated environment to the ice making machine, the freezingenvironment having a temperature of no greater than about 0° F.; (c)freezing the mixture into solid alcohol infused ice cubes with the icemaking machine; and (d) dispensing the alcohol infused ice cubes. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein supplying the mixture includes mixing asource of the mixing solution with at least one source of the alcohol tocreate the mixture.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mixtureincludes at least two sources of alcohol.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the ice cubes have a volume of at least 1 cubic centimeter. 16.The method of claim 12, wherein dispensing the alcohol infused ice cubesincludes determining the number of cubes dispensed in a dispense cycle.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the mixture has an alcohol contentof at least 2%.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein dispensing thealcohol infused ice cubes includes directing the alcohol infused icecubes from at least two different ice cube storage bin to a singledispensing opening.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein freezing themixture includes delivering a volume of the mixture to at least one icemold, the ice mold being exposed to the freezing environment.
 20. Analcohol infused ice cube machine, comprising: (a) a cooling mechanismconfigured to provide a refrigerated environment in the range of about0° F. to about −30° F.; (b) a mixing arrangement configured to provide amixture that includes an alcohol beverage, the mixture containing atleast 2% alcohol, the mixing arrangement including at least one mixingchamber configured to mix a volume of the alcohol beverage with at leastone other liquid; (c) at least one ice mold configured to receive aportion of the mixture to generate alcohol infused ice cubes; (d) atleast one ice cube storage bin configured to collect alcohol infused icecubes generated in the ice mold; (e) a dispenser mechanism configured todispense the alcohol infused ice cubes from the at least one ice cubestorage bin; and (f) a control system configured to control thedispensing mechanism and the mixing arrangement.